Dementia
Dementia
Dementia is a term used to describe changes to the brain that can impact a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.
There are many types of dementia with the most common being: Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemperoral, Young Onset, and Mixed, each with different patterns of changes in the brain, symptoms, and treatments.
There are currently 55 million people living with dementia worldwide. In Canada, about 600,000 people are living with dementia and that number is expected to reach 1.7 million by 2050.
We at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), are leaders in dementia research. Experts are conducting cutting-edge research to better understand dementia, risk reduction, strategies to live well, as well as developing resources, programs, and support strategies to improve the care and quality of life for those impacted by dementia.
For a list of dementia-related resources, visit our Resources page.
Interested in more dementia-related resources?
Dementia Programs
Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Data Monitoring in Canada
The Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Data Monitoring in Canada (CADDM) research project aims to enhance and expand national dementia data collection and monitoring in order to improve understanding of dementia and its impact on Canadians.
Canadian Dementia Learning and Resource Network
The Canadian Dementia Learning and Resource Network (CDLRN) is a knowledge hub that facilitates collaboration between community-based projects across Canada and amplifies their successes. Led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), CDLRN and the community-based projects are funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada under the Dementia Community Investment (DCI).
Dementia Lifestyle Intervention for Getting Healthy Together
https://dementiawellnesscanada.com/delight/The Dementia Lifestyle Intervention for Getting Healthy Together (DELIGHT) program aims to promote the health and well-being of people living with dementia and care partners through exercise, healthy eating, and sharing strategies to help navigate and live well with dementia.
Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion
The Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity and Meaningful Inclusion (DREAM) project provides resources to support the wellness of people living with dementia and their family members through physical activity, healthy eating, and other wellness programs and services.
Forward with Dementia
The Forward with Dementia initiative aims to address the stigma of dementia and provide hope that persons living with dementia can live fulfilling lives. The Forward with Dementia website includes information, resources, strategies, and stories that have been co-designed with people living with dementia, family and friend care partners, and health and social care providers.
Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program
The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP) is a collaborative research and education program that works with people living with dementia, care partners, health and social care providers, and community members, to enhance the well-being of individuals impacted by dementia. Resources include the By Us For Us Guides, and LIVING the Dementia Journey program.
Supporting Inclusion through Intergenerational Partnerships
Supporting Inclusion through Intergenerational Partnerships (SIIP) is a project that works with organizations across Waterloo Region to provide intergenerational opportunities for older adults living with dementia, care partners, and youth to connect in meaningful ways while reducing social isolation.
Are you a care partner or person living with dementia interested in improving research outcomes by working together with researchers? test
Meet Our Dementia Experts
Carrie McAiney
PhD
Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia; Scientific Director, MAREP, Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
Laura Middleton
PhD
Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living, Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging